Aug14

5 Self Care Tips To Remember

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5 Self Care Tips To Remember

There is nothing more important than looking after yourself, and we’re constantly being told that self care is the way to do it. Spend some time doing yoga and putting cucumber on your eyes, and you’ll be cured of all of your ills, right? Well, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration, but looking after yourself is still an imperative part of your health and happiness, and it gives you the boost that you need to carry on during rough patches.

But what simple self care tips can you carry with you, in order to make sure that you know how and when to take some time out? We’ve put together five here, for those seeking inner peace and well being.

Drink more water:

Okay, you heard it here first. Well, you probably didn’t. Drink. More. Water. Those three little words are what everybody needs to hear. Not only will it keep you hydrated (obviously) but it will also clear up your skin, clear out the junk from your body, and give you the energy that you need to be as great as you can be. Oh, and it’s practically the easiest thing in the world. Carry a water bottle with you at all times; you won’t regret it.

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Pexels Image

Just relax:

A lot of us don’t relax, because we don’t even know how to. Relaxing isn’t scrolling through your phone for hours or sitting there worrying about what you should be doing instead of relaxing. It’s really making an effort to chill out and to clear your mind of everything in order to do so. Work on letting things go, so that you can get to a place of total tranquility every once in a while.

Being able to fully relax takes practice – especially if you have anxiety. It’s all about finding that “just right” thing that works for you. Maybe it’s a hot cup of tea and reading a chapter of a new book. Or, it could be popping on your favorite feel good show and enjoying some delicious gummies from https://thehempdoctor.com/delta-9-thc/, allowing the THC to calm your nerves and put your body into a state of zen and relaxation. Explore different options and soon, relaxing will become something to enjoy instead of one more thing to stress over.

Sleep well:

One of the main things that you need to do if you want to look after yourself is to sleep well. Sleeping gives your body a chance to restore itself and it’s good for the ol’ mind, too. Check out an air conditioning store nearby so that you can get the perfect sleep temperature nailed and try to maintain some kind of routine when it comes to the time that you go to bed and the time that you wake up.

If you are struggling to fall asleep or spending your nights tossing and turning, there are countless tips you can try to help. This could be a visit to your doctor, limiting screen time before bed, using soothing essential oils like lavender, or sipping on THC Drinks before you start getting ready for bed. When you find what works for you, you are going to feel so much better and well rested.

Make time for your passions:

Your passions are what make life worth living and they’re not only great because you find them enjoyable. Escaping into the things that you love is perfect for self care, as it allows you to really be yourself and let go of all of the issues that are whizzing around your mind. Whether you love art, music, or reading, make sure that you’ve got time to pursue it. You’ll feel on top of the world when you do!

If one of your passions is travel, perhaps your self care will come in the form of taking a vacation. We all need one whether it is a staycation, weekend getaway, or a big trip. Making travel plans can be both exciting and soothing as it gives your mind a literal vacation. From exploring lodging accommodations like a bed and breakfast or bruachdryne apartment rentals to scoping out the best eateries and activities, planning a trip can be as fun as taking one. The ultimate in self care!

Be kind to yourself:

Many people beat themselves up all of the time, for various reasons. Maybe you’re not where you want to be with your career, you think that you’re not thin enough, or you believe that you’ve done something wrong that is going to follow you forever. However, you need to be kind to yourself. You’ll make mistakes, but you’re on the right path. You still deserve to be happy, so don’t forget this.

If you find yourself caught in an anti kindness to yourself cycle, try doing something nice for yourself instead. Do you fancy a massage? Enter a search for “swedish massage in Alameda, CA” (or your local area) and book that appointment! Want a quiet afternoon with a good book? Curl up and make it happen! Treating yourself to something you enjoy is an amazing way to be kind to yourself and you will always feel better when you invest in number one – you!

Enjoy improving your self care rituals; you deserve it!

Aug14

Pretty In Punk OOTD

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Pretty In Punk OOTD

Hello everyone!! As promised (because I have only been talking about it for forever!), I am here today to present you with my Pretty In Punk OOTD inspired by all things It Brit fashion. From the music to the style and everything in between, I have always been enamored with how things are done across the pond in England. And, this outfit pays homage to a country that I so love and want nothing more than to visit soon! Take a look and let’s discuss. And, do be sure to tune in tomorrow for more pics from the shoot!

 

 

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Who? What? Wear?

Fashion and beauty is always something that I have been passionate about and styling this look was the most fun I’ve had in ages. I have been waiting for the right outfit to come to mind that would do my Ginger Spice style platforms justice since I got them and, after some chance shopping experiences while I was with a client, it all came together.

I was so inspired by the tulle fabric that I impulse bought at Joann’s and, like magic, my shoulder padded plaid blazer popped out at me while at the Goodwill. I knew that I could create something cool when combining all of this and in my head, a vision formed. An industrial location with an OOTD giving a posh update to the 1970s British punk style. And, with that, the shoot above happened.

While styling this outfit, it was really important for me to not make it look like a caricature of the iconic punk fashion and I also didn’t want it to be a carbon copy, either. So, making the look modern while still giving a nod to a style that I adore was key. Punk fashion is so textured, with all different types of fabrics and materials being used – we’re talking leather, wool plaid, flannel, studs, chains, and mesh just to name a few. But, it still manages to look cohesive because the color palette usually revolves around black and pops of color.

I wanted to create a distinct breakup between the shoes and the bottom and top half of my OOTD and, to do this, I used three different materials on each part of the outfit. Glitter on the shoes, pleather on the pants, and a wool style plaid on top. It all tied in together perfectly, though, because the color palette was quite minimal and black was incorporated in almost every part of the look, except the shoes, which was my pop of color.

Once I had my outfit styled, it was all about finding a location that embraced a more punk way of life. Some of the imagery that always stands out to me is a group of concert goers outside of a brick or dilapidated building smoking in front of the venue. I wanted that grittiness reflected in the pictures and an industrial setting was just what the doctor ordered. My photographer and I settled on Steelyard Drive in Cleveland, which is actually a shopping center. But, beyond it is train tracks, construction, and electricity towers. This gave us lots of backgrounds to play with and it was a blast to create distinctive looks in each location.

The last part of creating the pictures you see above was having fun. I always say that if fashion isn’t fun, then that defeats the purpose. And, let me tell you, I had a ball with this. Styling my OOTD was a joy, because I will definitely be sporting this look come fall and it was exactly how I envisioned it to be. Being on location and watching my craft as well as my photographers come to life was exciting and I am looking forward to creating more updates of iconic fashion eras in the future!

What is your favorite era of fashion? How do you incorporate that into your OOTDs? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug13

5 Ways To Winter Proof Your Home

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5 Ways To Winter Proof Your Home

Your home is with you throughout all of the seasons and it needs different attention based on the time of year. When the threat of winter is close by, it’s time to give your home the once over to ensure your cozy nights in aren’t destroyed by drafts, leaks, or unwanted guests in your attic.

Clear your Gutters and Drains

This might be the last thing on your ‘to-do’ list, which is why it hits the top spot on ours. Although this is not the most enjoyable or glamorous job in the world (wet leaves, moss, bugs!? No, thank you!), it is arguably one of the most important. Exterior pipe blockages can cause some serious damage to both the inside and outside of the property. The weight of drains and gutters filled with leaves and natural debris can pull the pipes away from your house, causing nasty damp and mold problems that can affect the walls from the inside out. Just a few minutes of handling gross things will save a whole load of hassle later on!

Up On The Roof:

Humans aren’t the only living things who like to cozy up in the winter. Local wildlife also enjoy finding warm places to snuggle during the cold months. Check the roof for cracked, missing, or loose tiles. Any damage from heavy rain, sleet, or snow can create large spaces that our furry or feathered friends can use to claim your home as theirs! Enlist the expertise of a reputable roofing company to assist you with this task. It’s way less dangerous for them because they know what they’re looking at, as well as having the necessary tools to complete the job safely.

Pillow Fort!

Relive your childhood winters; hot chocolate, Disney films, blankets, and pillows. Although these days, it might look more like sipping tea (Or maybe wine…we won’t tell!) and binge-watching your favorite show. But a pile of fluffy blankets and cute cushions can create a lovely homely feel to alleviate the dark distress of winter. Ahh, that’s better!

Check Your Heating

Feeling the warm air reach your face as you enter the house after being out in the cold is the definition of bliss. But what if you unlock your front door and you can still see your breath in the hallway? The familiar sound of the heater whirring transitions from a clunking to radio silence. Disaster. Get your boiler checked before the big winter freeze sets in.

Clear your Pathways:

People are invited into your home even before knocking on the door. As host, your job is to ensure any visitors stay safe, even those delivering packages! Any accidents outside of the home can make you liable for expensive insurance claims. To avoid any drama, sprinkle your path with a store cupboard staple: SALT! One tablespoon will prevent slippery paths of up to one square meter. This is a very easy, inexpensive way of making sure nobody takes a tumble outside of your door.

Don’t get caught in the cold this winter while inside of your own home with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Aug13

5 Simple Tips For Adding Value To Your Home

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5 Simple Tips For Adding Value To Your Home

Every homeowner will at times think about adding value to their home, and some will even have it as a priority. Often used as a way to move up the property ladder, homeowners are always looking for easy ways to increase the value of their property, but don’t always know the best ways to go about it. It doesn’t have to be complicated, in fact, there are many ways that you can achieve this.

Whether you’re looking to increase the value of your house for resale or you just want to complete some renovation work to get your home looking picture perfect, it’s best to have a look below at some of the simple tips for adding value to your home:

Creating Open Spaces:

If you’re looking for and don’t mind a huge renovation project, then opening up your downstairs living space into an open plan could be one of the best things you can do in order to add value to your home. It’s something that a lot of buyers, especially those with families are looking for. Creating a space that you can enjoy for entertaining both family and friends which will be used and seen as the center of your home can be enjoyed if you’re staying or deciding to move on. What is guaranteed though is that you will be looking for a space similar in your next home!

Gardens & Outside Spaces:

Sometimes the outside areas of your home can be forgotten, however, they should be a priority especially when you’re looking to add value to your home. At the end of the day, the outside of your home is either the first impression before people enter or the only impression that people have of your home as they never go inside. This means it’s not only important to maintain it but it’s also important to make sure it looks its best on the curb appeal side of things.

Whether you need to replace the doors, repair the walkways, or fit a new garage with an electric door you should think about looking at these as an easy way to increase the value of your home. When thinking about the outside spaces you have to make sure you think about the landscaping of your garden, every buyer will look at the garden as a project if you don’t look after it yourself. You could even look at palm trees for sale as a unique item to add as a tropical feature.

Renovate The Bathroom And Kitchen:

Often seen as two big projects in themselves, upgrading your kitchen and bathrooms can add a significant amount to the value of any property. If you’re looking to sell and want to get the best price possible, then renovating these areas will do wonders for you. Buyers will normally have a ‘move in ready’ kitchen and bathroom on their list because after buying a new home they don’t want to have the costs of renovating them themselves.

A bathroom or kitchen renovation can be a big undertaking and there is nothing wrong with doing it in parts. The best thing that you can do if you are considering this type of upgrade is to start planning ahead based on your budget/time frame. Once you have an idea of what you would like, do your research on a Bathroom remodeler in Oregon City, OR or your local area. They will be happy to come by, discuss further, and give you a quote!

Although these can be seen as big projects that you will need to spend time and money on, rest assured that they will definitely increase the property of your home.

Featured Image By: Terry Magallanes from Pexels

Aug13

Six Ways To Bring Out Your Inner Artist

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Six Ways To Bring Out Your Inner Artist

Art is often seen as something that is reserved for a dedicated few. It’s something that seems incredibly beginner unfriendly, inaccessible, and also expensive – but all three of those claims are far from the truth and the reality is that everyone possesses the creative mind required for art. The big hurdle to overcome is the initial step and, in this article, we’re going to show you six ways to bring out your inner artist:

Visit an art gallery or art-related event:

There are likely dozens, if not hundreds, of art-related events and galleries that you can visit for inspiration. It could be an art gallery, it could be a photography workshop, or even just a speech by a famous artist or design professional. Whatever the event is, attend it and see if it can change your mind to bring out your inner artist.

Look at the art of your favorite books and movies:

Everyone has a source of inspiration for their creative works and yours could be from your favorite books, movies, or cartoons. Plenty of cartoonists love watching different cartoons from all different eras for inspiration and some painters enjoy fantasy scenes from movies and use them as references for creations.

Find an alternate art medium:

You don’t have to stick to paints and canvas or even pencils and paper. There are plenty of fun and expressive mediums and tools that you can use such as chalk, graphite, sculpting, or even using Lego to create unique works of art. There are no limitations when it comes to art, so use whatever you want to be expressive and create something unique to you.

Try and go digital with your art:

Many people stay away from traditional art tools and mediums because they believe that it’s hard to recover from mistakes and they just hate to see their work crumpled in the bin. This is where digital tools can come in handy. With features like copy and pasting, layers, and the ever-so-useful undo button, it can make getting into art a lot easier.

Make friends in the art community and learn from them:

There are plenty of ways to get out there to meet the art community either in your local area or even over the internet. You could attend a paint and sip class to make friends while you work or you could join art communities over the internet and discuss things such as art tools and ideas together. You’ll find that it’s much easier to bring out your inner artist if you have friends that enjoy the same things as you.

Have a purpose for your artistic creations:

Lastly, try and find a purpose for your art. If you just use art as a creative stress reliever, then that’s perfectly fine. But if you’re interested in art because you want to sell fashionable shirts or posters, then having a goal to work towards will help motivate you and bring out your inner artist.

Remember that art isn’t about being perfect so create, explore, and always have fun!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Aug13

New Lemonade Nails

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New Lemonade Nails

Hellooooooo! At the beginning of August, I went to my stomping grounds of Elysian Nails for a bit of pampering. My claws were looking jank and they needed filled, cut down, and sharpened desperately. I was also looking forward to changing the color to give one final hurrah to the warm weather before fall begins – it will be here before we know it! Take a look at my New Lemonade Nails and let’s discuss:

lemonade

I have a punk themed OOTD shoot planned and I loved the idea of bright yellow nails along with the red plaid of the blazer that I’ll be sporting. So, the traffic light yellow was an absolute must. And, on my way to the salon as I pondered what color to get the accent nail, I thought some flamingo pink for a lemonade theme would be adorable. As the cogs started turning, I decided that getting the reverse of the colors on each hand would be even MORE adorable and the rest is history.

Are these nails punk? Lol, not in the slightest. But, damnit, are they cute. The bright colors and the unexpectedness of each hand being different gives me an instant confidence boost and my nail tech definitely did me right. These are the perfect lounge by the pool with a fruity drink in hand nails and they just might be my favorite yet!

What color of nail polish do you have on right now? What is the craziest color that you ever experimented with? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug11

Tattoo You: Death From Sandman Edition

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Tattoo You: Death From Sandman Edition

Helloooo! I am a huge graphic novel fan and my all time favorite is the Sandman series by Neil Gaiman. I have read and reread the fantastic saga countless times and it still manages to surprise and intrigue me every time. I have several tattoos from the Sandman series featuring my favorite characters like Dream, Delirium, and Destiny, but the one I love most of all is probably of Death. Check out this beaut:

death

Death is probably the most beloved Sandman character to anyone you will ask. She’s this darling little goth girl who is the human personification of, you guessed it, death. But, instead of having a grim outlook on life, she loves it and is always up for an adventure. Death is a protector and meets every single person in their final moments to ease the transition from the living to the dead.

Although I enjoy each character from Sandman in their own right, I have always been drawn to death. I adore her spunky, sassy attitude and her sleek sense of style. She’s bubbly and cheerful and I think that that teaches people to find the joy in the not so great situations because it’s always there if you know where to look.

Who else is a fan of the Sandman series? What is your favorite comic book series? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug10

Tattoo You: Parent Appreciation Edition

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Tattoo You: Parent Appreciation Edition

Hellooo everyone! In case you haven’t noticed, body modifications are my thing and have been important to me for well over a decade now. I love piercings, tattoos, and dyeing my hair. All of my body mods make me feel confident and beautiful and I always seem to be planning which tattoos I want to get next. But, until I get some new ones, hopefully in the next few months, I thought that I would give you guys a run down on some of my older ones. Take a look at one of my favorites, that had my mom and dad rolling their eyes so hard:

tatswim

^^^ Don’t mind the fact that it needs touched up! 😀

I have always been a huge fan of the American Traditional style tattoos and knew that I wanted to give my parents a shout out with one of them. And, upon the grand reveal to my mom and dad at my birthday dinner this year, both of them said “oh god” at the exact same time – it was hilarious! My mom has since embraced my commemorative heart to them while my dad would prefer it if I didn’t have any tattoos at all, lol. But, I think that he loves it deep down. 😉

My mom and dad are my literal favorite people in the world and I wanted something to make it feel like they’re always with me. I love the contrasting red and yellow from the heart and the scroll and it looks so nice underneath my Pan’s Labyrinth half sleeve. As per ushe, my tattoo artist, Emily, knocks it out of the park every time and, although my parent appreciation tat is fairly simple, it is one of my all time favorites.

How many tattoos do you have? Which one is your favorite? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug9

Leaving Room For Mess In The Workplace

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Leaving Room For Mess In The Workplace

The office is meant for work. It’s the place where you conduct business and decide the future of your company. Don’t forget that it’s also a place for employees, the people who are there to keep everything going. You want the business to go smoothly, but people can only strive for perfection. There will always be a mess, and the office must designate space for it:

To Keep Files That Are Yet to be Sorted:

First, there’s the physical mess that you need to tackle, especially if you’re moving into an office unit for rent in Ortigas Center. Any move means uprooting the old filing systems you have and relocating them. They don’t come into the new office packaged to perfection and without needing to be organized. This, of course, gets sorted into their appropriate sections in the office. After you’ve successfully moved everything, you think all has been taken care of, but that’s where you’re wrong.

There will be future documents to sort, and there will be papers coming from different departments. A desk designated for the mess pile will keep other areas organized and will give you a good idea of how much you still need to do.

To Break Away from Monotony:

When it comes to regulated environments, it’s essential to keep a professional image. That means pristine walls and desks cleaned of any clutter. It’s almost clinical if you think about it. Occupying those desks are people who will be bored and will want to have some fun, and that’s exactly what the mess room will be for. It can be the pantry or a break room, but it has to be present. In this room, they are allowed to shed their professional persona even for just a few minutes so that they can be the fun and engaging people that they are. This room permits employees to be themselves, and it communicates that you care for their well-being more than the idea of having a perfect workplace.

You might want to add a few touches to make your break room even better so your employees can return from their lunch feeling refreshed. Perhaps you will add a small TV, a few decks of cards, a Keurig, or some charging stations. You can also look into vending machine services near me and keep the machines fully stocked with everyone’s favorite snacks and drinks. Vending machines make a welcome addition to a break room and are ideal for those who need an afternoon sugar rush to beat the midday slump!

If you don’t have the space for a designated break room, you could get clever with the design of it. Having plasterboard office partitions installed, for example, can break up the office area for an option like a coffee corner. Add a couple of tables and chairs, a Keurig with plenty of Kpod options, and some snacks to munch to make an unofficial break area to unwind in.

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To Leave Room for Mistakes:

Unless you’re hiring robots to run the business, there will be mistakes done in the office. A pleasant work environment accepts mistakes as a way to learn and grow, and that means not hiding them from everyone. You could designate a section of the office for ideas that have been discarded or put on hold, allowing people to revisit them and see why they failed. It might spark innovation.

Fresh eyes might also solve problems that the original contributors couldn’t crack. Think about old cases that new investigators look into. This section could also serve as a reminder to everyone that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as they admit to it and are willing to make things right. You are hiring employees for their skills, but even the most skilled manager has their shortcomings. A mess table will remind them that you also appreciate their humanity.

The mess you make at work should not be shunned. With the right goals and vision, past messes can become drivers of business growth.

Aug9

Types Of Shows In New York City

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Types Of Shows In New York City

If you’re in New York and hoping to see a show, the choices are always numerous and diverse. Rather than purchase tickets for something you might be disappointed in, consider the different genres available. This will allow you to narrow down the options and spend a wonderful evening watching something that will suit your tastes and mood:

Musicals:

Broadway musicals have more depth than ever before. Featuring memorable music, choreography, costumes, and acting, the subject matter runs the gamut from hilarious comedy to stirring dramas. Consult NYC theater reviews to check out which ones audiences and critics are raving about and why. In addition to currently popular titles, you can also choose from revivals of classic shows and newer and sometimes less-well-known productions in off-off-Broadway venues.

Plays:

Although they don’t have the show-stopping numbers of their musical counterparts, Broadway plays are every bit as captivating and memorable. From comedies and tragedies to biographical and historical works, you’re bound to find something of interest. If you’re still having trouble deciding, consult a list of Tony Award nominees and winners that are currently in theaters to uncover the critics favorites for writing, acting, and direction.

Interactive:

If you’re in the mood to be a part of the action rather than just observing it, consider a more immersive event. Interactive productions are typically experiences that enable the audience to participate as actual characters in the play, answer the actors questions throughout the show, or even solve a scripted mystery. Ranging from elaborate narratives to stripped-down one-man solo acts, this often experimental theater is presented in venues ranging from smaller stages or warehouses to parks or even moving trains.

Whether you’re in the mood to laugh, cry, think, or tap your toes, the New York City theater scene has something for you. A little research before purchasing your tickets will go a long way to ensuring you have a great time.